the secretary will ask if this is the first contact with the Mental Health Service. overwhelmed. or depressed. If you find yourself thinking about your friend too much. All calls and visits are strictly confidential. Call MIT Medical at 617253-2916 to reach the mental health clinician on call. dean.
Signs and symptoms of psychological distress
• excessive anxiety or panic • marked decline in academic work or job performance • frequent absence from class or work. fatigue. a medical doctor and nurse or nurse practitioner are always on site. and general problems of daily living. there are walk-in hours every afternoon. and treatment. work habits. day or night. The intake clinician will then schedule an initial hour-long appointment. • Know your own limits. • If necessary. • Ask open-ended questions.
Emergencies
The Mental Health Service provides 24-hour emergency coverage. academic pressure. Monday to Friday from 2–4 p. irritable.
. non-judgmental way. or someone at the Mental Health Service. Often. We work closely with professionals in the outside community and sometimes refer an individual for specialized services. including individual and group psychotherapy and medication. Write down the appointment details. The phone number is 617-253-2916. as well as gather information that will help match the caller with the most appropriate clinician. just listening is enough. and location. Call while your friend is with you. Your friend may choose not to answer but may feel relieved to know you are trying to understand. even crucial.m. including time. • Don’t feel compelled to find a solution or express a judgment. building E23) for an intake interview. We provide consultation. it might help to speak with a tutor.
How you can help: some simple guidelines
An individual who is distressed often wants help but doesn’t know how to ask. eating problems. crisis intervention. call and say that your friend needs to be seen urgently.How to help someone in distress
When to be concerned
Stress is a fact of life for many people at MIT. • Suggest that your friend can get more help if needed. they can choose to come to the Mental Health Service (third floor of MIT Medical.
your own words. • Find a private. Yet identifying and referring a person in distress is vital. especially when this is a change • apathy. When is it reasonable. In
Services offered
MIT Medical’s Mental Health Service offers help to all members of the MIT community. isolation. you can help your friend make an appointment. Stay on the line until you understand the specific steps you should take. First-time callers will be scheduled for a brief intake phone call during which a clinician will establish the general problem and its urgency. comfortable place to talk. explain your concerns in a non-judgmental way. or social behavior • isolation or withdrawal
How to make a referral
• Suggest that your friend make an appointment. alcohol and substance abuse. or dramatic weight gain or loss • marked changes in personal hygiene. If an individual doesn’t have the privacy for a phone call. When someone calls for an appointment. even though it’s often difficult to make such a personal suggestion. You can give this brochure to your friend and point out the resources at MIT. You don’t have to handle this alone. change in sleeping or eating habits. If an individual cannot wait. provider’s name. housemaster. You can play an essential role by expressing your concerns in a caring. The Mental Health Service is on the third floor of MIT Medical. to suggest that someone speak with a medical professional? The initial decision to direct someone to MIT Medical is often the hardest. • If you think it’s an emergency. Staff members have expertise in special issues such as stress. anxious. But at times we all become tired. Many thrive on the challenges of this stimulating environment. You may also call MIT Medical Urgent Care at 617-253-1311. lack of energy.
insomnia. We also have close relationships with members of the Institute community and can help people make useful connections. Appropriate follow-up will be arranged at that walk-in visit.